Vacation Time

Just an FYI to my readers....I will be on vacation from August 9th until August 15th. I will have some internet access so there may be a post or two in there..but if there isn't then you know why.

Dangerous Times, Dangerous Products

Recently, my 2 year old son had to have his blood tested for lead. That's right LEAD. You see, he has a love of trains, especially Thomas the Tank Engine trains. And, we had about 5 or 6 of the cars that are listed in the huge recall of Thomas trains. Apparently someone in China ran out of red & yellow lead free paint and thought it was ok to use red & yellow lead full paint. Millions of those trains have been sold with lead based paint..something China apparently does not have a law against like we do.

And, even more recently, Fisher Price recalled over 8 types of toys because their painter in China used lead based paint on them as well. Over 80 types of toys..sold since May...contain lead based paint. Believe me, I double and triple checked that list and thank goodness we didn't buy any of those toys!

This is more than insane, this is downright deadly and dangerous. Every week there seems to be another recall for something hazardous from China. First melamine in our pet food, then lead based paint on toys and then fish with harmful chemicals in them. When is this country going to learn to take the time and INSPECT the products that are being imported? What's it going to take..more illness, a death of a child due to lead poisoning? It's unacceptable that these things are going unnoticed for so long. It's unacceptable that nothing is being inspected as it comes into this country.

All I can say is be very careful what you buy. Make sure you check for recalls frequently. Here's a link to the Consumer Product Safety Commission so you can bookmark it and check it for any recalled products...

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html

This lists everything from toys to appliances. You never know what you might have in your home that has been recalled due to some sort of deficiency. You very well might have something in your home that could be very dangerous.

Inside Indie: In Kristine's Shower

This week's Inside Indie interview is with Jenny Hoehn of In Kristine's Shower. I absolutely love her sugar scrubs (body frostings) as well as her Shea Butter Sorbet. There are some really yummy fragrances there too like Blackberry Blast, Kiss Me All Over and Pink Cupcakes.

Tell me a little about the mind behind In Kristine's Shower and how did the name come about?

It is actually "Kristine's Shower" and I named it after my cousin Kristine. She was the inspiration for my first batch of soap. She was to be married in 2002 and I wanted to give her a one of a kind gift. Being a vegan and a typical "tree hugger type", she would most definitely love the handmade gift over some gift from the store. I was researching details about handmade soap, but never got the nerve to make any - Kristine getting married was the shove I needed to dive into my first batch! After that I was hooked!

What made you decide to get into the bath and body business?

The b&b business actually found me I think. I really had no desire to make any of these products because when I started, it wasn't a saturated market like it is now. I really only had tried handmade soap once (it was sent to me for free) and once I tried it, I was really impressed how well it treated my skin. Having a background in Cosmetology, I was always into skin and nails (not so much hair lol), so when I found all this information on how to make soap, I was mesmerized!

Do you remember the first product you made?

Yep - it was 100% olive oil soap

Ok, you're stuck on a desert island and you can only have one of your products with you..which one, which fragrance and why?

Gotta be my soap - I would say Citrus Safari because that is a good scent (top seller for 5+ years!) The reason I would bring soap is that every good skin care regimen starts with a good foundation!

What does the future hold for Kristine's Shower?

You know, when I first started I was happy selling here and there - then I got some exposure that rocketed me way up beyond where I thought I would be. I am starting to get used to the big orders, but honestly I am happy where I am now. I have my sisters working for me and I get to have my son by my side at all times. Of course I would welcome new and bigger business, but it isn't something I am striving for.

What is your can't live without product?

My Body Frosting! I have to have to have to use it every time I shave so I don't have to shave every day!!

Take a look around In Kristine's Shower and see what you like. I recommend the Body Frosting...as Jenny calls me a "Frosting Addict."